XAVI is reportedly fighting for his job at Barcelona following back-to-back defeats.
Barcelona have just suffered losses to Girona in LaLiga and Royal Antwerp in the Champions League.
The defeat in Europe did not prove costly as the Catalonians still topped Group H.
However, the loss to LaLiga leaders Girona has left Barcelona seven points off the pace and slumped down in fourth.
Spanish outlet AS, has claimed that the loss to Antwerp has “stained the club’s image in Europe”.
The report has suggested that Xavi, 43, has been left in a “weak position” and that he “knows” he has lost the confidence of all six members of the club’s sports commission.
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The commission is made up of president Joan Laporta, Deco, Rafael Yuste, Joan Soler, Enric Masip and Bojan.
Deco has recently had a disagreement with Xavi as he denied being consulted about a late call-up to the team.
He told Movistar Plus: “The call-ups are a matter for the coach. We did not come to a consensus on anything.
“There was a change of plans regarding travel and we have decided that everyone should travel.
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“It is an issue that was discussed for management reasons.”
After the defeat to Antwerp, Xavi admitted that he was “worried”.
He said: “The feeling is not good. We’ve had misfortune, from a 2-2 draw. We could have gotten more. We’re on a rough patch.
“I’m worried, it’s normal. The team is not comfortable. We’re on a bad run, we’ve had two negative results.
“We have to be critical of ourselves. We have to improve. The opposing team generates chances, but it’s hard for us to do so.
“We have to improve and know that we are not on a good run.”
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is Ladbrokes’ favourite to replace Xavi should he be sacked.
- Roberto De Zerbi – 5/1
- Rafael Marquez – 6/1
- Julen Lopetegui – 6/1
- Ruben Amorim – 7/1
- Michel – 7/1
- Unai Emery – 8/1
- Pep Guardiola – 12/1
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
